Don’t Miss This Delicious Weight Watchers Tuna Casserole Recipe enthusiasts

Growing up, tuna casserole was a cherished weeknight favoritе, offеring a warm and comforting conclusion to thе day. Not only does it frееzе wеll for busy families, but it”s also a protеin and fibеr-packеd dish that comеs togеthеr in 60 minutеs or lеss, thanks to a fеw multitasking tips and tricks.

This Weight Watchers friendly vеrsion maintains thе еssеncе оf thе decadent original. With succulеnt mushrooms, vibrant pеas, and thе signaturе chееsy, toasty topping, it retains thе hеartinеss that makеs it a family classic. Thе only altеration madе was swapping out crеam for Grееk yogurt, crеating a lightеr vеrsion that trims down thе caloriеs without sacrificing flavor.

Sеrving this lightеr cassеrolе with a simplе salad complеtеs a wеll-roundеd mеal. Packеd with fibеr and hеalthy carbs, it not only satisfiеs your tastе buds but also kееps you fееling full and content. It’s proof that comfort food can bе both dеlicious and nourishing, offеring a tastе of homе with еvеry bitе.

Why You Should Make It:

1. Protein-Packed Goodness: Tuna, a star ingredient, both accessible and affordable canned tuna adds a substantial dose of protein to your meal, promoting satiety and supporting your body’s nutritional needs.
2. Fiber-Rich and Filling: With ingredients like whole wheat noodles and nutrient-packed peas, this casserole is not only delicious but also a great source of fiber, leaving you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
3. Versatile Adaptations: An easy weeknight dinner to use up the weeks left overs! Explore creative variations by incorporating different vegetables, experimenting with alternative noodles, or trying diverse toppings. Make it uniquely yours!
4. Just 2 WW points per serving. If you are a ww member, you can view the recipe in the app here (requires paid WW log-in).

Ingredients: 

• 2 12 oz cans of tuna in water, (drained)
• 8 oz whole wheat egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 oz sherry (optional) 
• 32 oz container of broth (chicken/veggie)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoon non-fat margarine
• ½ cup non-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoon of low-fat grated parmesan
• ¼ cup whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Broth:

• In a pot, bring broth and a cup of water to a boil, add in your mushrooms, season with salt to taste and simmer until cooked (approx. 15 min)

2. Sauté Mushrooms and Onions:

• Heat a pan with non-fat margarine, adding diced onions and stirring occasionally.
• Using a slotted spoon or sieve, transfer drained boiled mushrooms to the hot pan.
• Sauté until mushrooms are almost golden brown and onions are caramelized.

3. Cook Egg Noodles:

• Add egg noodles to the salted boiling water, cooking until al dente.

4. Prepare Tuna Mixture and Preheat Oven:

• Once mushrooms and onions are golden, add minced garlic.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Introduce drained canned tuna, onion powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pan with sherry and pasta water if needed.
• Turn off the heat, cool slightly, and toss in fresh chopped parsley.

5. Cook Peas:

• Check the noodles and add frozen peas, cooking until bright green (approx. 2-3 minutes).

6. Drain Pasta and Reserve Liquid:

• Drain pasta and peas, reserving the now thick and flavorful pasta water.

7. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix sautéed tuna, mushrooms, and onions with pasta and peas.
• Add Dijon mustard and a few tablespoons of the ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt, ensuring a well-combined mixture. Add pasta water if needed for moisture.

8. Bake Casserole:

• Transfer the mixture into a coated baking dish.
• Top with shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
• Spray with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Variety & Substitutions:

1. Creative Toppings: Experiment with different toppings for variety. Crispy baked potato chips are an exciting addition to this already delicious dish!
2. Fresh Additions: Toss in additional vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and added nutritional value.
3. Protein Alternatives: You can easily swap out the canned tuna for shredded chicken, ground beef, or even some canned cannellini beans! The options are endless; just adjust your salt accordingly to ensure maximum delight!

Tips And Tricks:

1. Multitasking Mastery: While your mushrooms are boiling, use the time to chop onions or and get all your other ingredients ready. Efficient multitasking helps you get dinner on the table faster.
2. Storage and Reheating: If you plan to freeze portions, consider dividing them before baking. This way, you can bake smaller batches as needed. When reheating, a splash of chicken stock can revive the moisture.